BOATING SAFETY ENCOURAGED DURING DUCK HUNT

Salt Lake - Utah State Parks boating officials urge duck hunters to use extreme caution this hunting season while using vessels to access hunting grounds. Utah State Parks Boating Education Specialist Richard Droesbeke offers the following safe boating tips:

- Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) at all times while in the water. PFDs are available in a variety of styles, including camouflage vests and float coats.

- Know and obey all boating laws and safe boating rules.

- Possess a valid hunting license, tag, and permit for the hunt.

- Take all precautions to avoid capsizing or swamping the vessel:
small, flat-bottom vessels are prone to capsizing; distribute gear evenly; do not exceed the vessel's capacity; take only well-trained dogs on board a small vessel.

- Cold water can be a killer. When hunting on cold water, wear several layers of clothing under your PFD.

- Always check weather forecasts, and stay as close to shore as possible.

- Fire no shots or release any arrows until the vessel it stopped, the motor is turned off, and the vessel is secured or properly anchored. Always remain seated when shooting.

- Firearms should always be unloaded, have the safety on, and be secured in a gun case when being transported in a vessel.

- Airboats operated on the Great Salt Lake or adjacent marshes must have a compass and at least one of the following: approved flares, a strobe light, or other visual distress signal, on board.

For more information or for a copy of Utah's Boating Highlights, please call (801) 538-7220.